- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Cape Breton University
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Confirmation of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
May 15, 2019
Vol. VII, p. 185
[ previous page ]
Blazon
Arms
Argent upon two barrulets wavy in base Azure a Cape Breton sloop Or masted Sable sails Argent edged Azure, in chief two keys in saltire wards upward and inward Vert surmounted by an open book proper inscribed in letters Sable dexter UC and sinister CB bound and clasped Vert, all within two boughs of spruce their stems in saltire Vert and surmounted by a maple leaf Gules;
Crest
A Canterbury cap Gules issuant from a wreath of mayflowers proper;
Supporters
Dexter a fox Gules armed Argent, sinister a bald eagle Gules head and tail Argent beaked and membered Or, each gorged of a coronet flory Or pendent therefrom a pentagon gyronny of ten Vert and Or, and standing on a grassy mound Vert set with spruce and fir trees proper rising above barry wavy Argent and Azure;
Motto
THEID DÌCHIOLL AIR THOISEACH;
Symbolism
Arms
The Cape Breton sloop is taken from the Great Seal of the Colony of Cape Breton (1784-1820) and honours the university’s location. The wavy bands of blue and white suggest the ocean and the Bras d’Or Lakes. The spruce boughs honour the First Nations that were the first inhabitants of the island, and the maple leaf refers to Canada. The keys and the open book allude to the idea of unlocking knowledge.
Crest
The Canterbury cap is symbolic of higher learning. The mayflowers are the floral emblem of Nova Scotia.
Supporters
The fox is known for its intelligence and indicates the intellectual pursuits involved in acquiring a degree. It is a reference to the university’s founder, Dr. Donald F. Campbell, known as the “silver fox.” The eagle is a majestic creature representing intelligence and idealism. It also honours the unique connections between Cape Breton University and the Mi’kmaq community. The fox, the eagle and the rich greenery upon which they stand are native to Cape Breton Island and are a reference to the university’s beautiful surroundings.
Motto
This Gaelic phrase means “Perseverance will triumph.”